> > due to patents problem, it is impossible to have open-source > > software only DVD player. It is possible however to have: > > > > Hmmm. Does anybody know if these patents apply in the UK or Europe? > It seems ridiculous that they are pushing to make this technology commonplace, > when you have to pay to use it, effectively. Do CD's work on this basis too? > > frankie OK, in answer to my question: http://features.linuxtoday.com/stories/8940.html (interview with RMS) about halfway down.
I think this means that it would be legal to write a software only decoder in the UK and (some of) Europe. It would, however, be illegal to use it in US, cos of it's shortsighted, biased and unfair patent laws. My other question still stands, does the fact that CD's and CD-players have a compact disc logo on mean that the hardware is patented and that sony gets lots of money for every CD sold? -- ,-----------------------------------------------------------------------------. > Frankie Fisher | < > frankie @ | Drum'n'Bass tunes and samples. < > skunkpussy.freeserve.co.uk | http://www.skunkpussy.freeserve.co.uk/ < > PGP Key available on request. | < `-----------------------------------------------------------------------------'
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